Dewlap Toulouse geese

poultrymaniac said:

I have been searching for information on the dewlap toulouse but I can't find much. I know they are hard to breed and fatter than most Texans, but I still have some questions.

What age do they start laying?

When are they ready to butcher?

How can I maximize fertility?

Will they crush their eggs when sitting?

And anything else you can add that can be helpful is appreciated.

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poultrymaniac said:

I have been searching for information on the dewlap toulouse but I can't find much. I know they are hard to breed and fatter than most Texans, but I still have some questions.

What age do they start laying?

for meat ... there are "other races!

How can I maximize fertility?

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a bucket of water on the lawn ... they do all that .. next to the bucket!

Will they crush their eggs when sitting?
yes! only in the incubator!

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poultrymaniac said:

I have been searching for information on the dewlap toulouse but I can't find much. I know they are hard to breed and fatter than most Texans, but I still have some questions.

What age do they start laying?

I would say at 6+ Months old. Exhibition Toulouse are not the best meat bird because they have more fat than anything.

How can I maximize fertility?

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Some are good at it but most do crush their own eggs.

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And anything else you can add that can be helpful is appreciated.

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Mic's Chicks said:

I am in Texas and have 4 Dewlap Toulouse. Mine turned a year old this past spring. They are 2 pair that I got from Holderread Waterfowl as hatchlings spring 2013.

Both my females laid several eggs this year however I do NOT think any where fertile. I did attempt to incubate some and also put some under a broody chicken. Then I let the geese also sit on several.

My geese do not have access to a pond or large body of water. My understanding is that the dewlaps need water at least 18 inches deep to breed naturally and even then they may not be successful. Mine have 3 kiddie pools but they just are not deep enough.

My females sat on their eggs forever and where very protective of those eggs. They did not crush or crack any.

l hope that someday I am able to fence the perimeter of my back pasture with a more predator proof fence so that they can access my stock tank at least during their breeding season. I have also already paid and am "on the list" to get 2 more pair from Holderread for next Spring '15.

I could just sit and watch my Dewlaps all day. They walk all over about 3 acres of my yard during the day and are penned in a stall every night.

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